The Rinzai-tradition emphasizes kensho, insight into one's true nature.[67] This is followed by so-called post-satori practice, further practice to attain Buddhahood.[68][69][70]
Other Zen-teachers have also expressed sudden insight followed by gradual cultivation. Chinul, a 12th-century Korean Seon master, followed Zongmi, and also emphasized that insight into our true nature is sudden, but is to be followed by practice to ripen the insight and attain full Buddhahood. This is also the standpoint of the contemporary Sanbo Kyodan, according to whom kensho is at the start of the path to full enlightenment.[71]
To attain this primary insight and to deepen it, zazen and kōan-study is deemed essential. This trajectory of initial insight followed by a gradual deepening and ripening is expressed by Linji in his Three mysterious Gates, and the Four Ways of Knowing of Hakuin.[61] Another example of depiction of stages on the path are the Ten Ox-Herding Pictures which detail the steps on the Path.